Iconic La Jolla restaurant George’s at the Cove will temporarily close its Ocean Terrace rooftop dining area for remodeling. The rooftop is set to reopen in mid-January 2026 with updated design, new tabletops, a glass wall, and permanent heaters. The restaurant recently completed the Level 2 dining area and bar and will begin rooftop remodeling from next week.
George’s at the Cove Ocean Terrace Closing for Remodel
George’s at the Cove, a 40-year-old oceanfront restaurant in La Jolla, will close its popular Ocean Terrace rooftop dining area and bar on November 10 for a two-month renovation. The remodeling construction project will be completed by mid-January 2026.
While the rooftop is closed, the restaurant’s Level 2 dining room and bar will remain open for lunch and dinner service. Additionally, the restaurant will also temporarily expand its dining services in the lower-level dining room. The lower-level dining room will also serve lunch and dinner on days it is not reserved for private events.
The restaurant is known for its locally sourced dishes and oceanfront views, offering scenic lunches and sunset dinners in La Jolla.
George Hauer founded George’s at the Cove in 1984, and since then, it has been a beloved destination of La Jolla dining. The Ocean Terrace opened in 1991 and transformed the restaurant into a three-level oceanfront restaurant. Currently, the restaurant is led by Chef Trey Foshee, Executive Chef Masa Kojima, and Pastry Chef Anna Adams, along with Mike Grave as General Manager overseeing the operations.
Upgrades Planned for Ocean Terrace
The remodel is part of the restaurant’s ongoing investment in its guest experience and will include a new floor, tabletops, a glass wall, updated umbrellas, and permanent heaters. The last remodeling of Ocean Terrace happened in 2016; during that time, an elevated bar area was added.
Trey Foshee, operating partner and chef, said, “We feel it’s important to continue our investment in a restaurant that has meant so much to so many people over the last four-plus decades. Whether dining with us for a special occasion or for an everyday lunch or dinner, we want our guests to feel comfortable, feel at home, and feel like they will always be a part of something special and unique to San Diego with that majestic view of the water.”
The recent renovation of the Level 2 dining area and bar, completed in April, added a new roof with retractable awnings, a high-top oceanfront counter, updated tables and furnishings, and modern lighting.
Holiday Season Dining Events
For the holiday season, George’s will continue its festive dining tradition throughout the remodeling. The restaurant is set to host a family-style Thanksgiving dinner on November 27 from 2 pm to 7 pm. The dinner will be priced at $90 per person and $45 for children below 12. Along with that, a 3-course Christmas dinner will be hosted on December 25, from 2 pm to 8:30 pm, for $110 per person, and for kids, an à la carte menu is available.
While the temporary closure may disappoint guests, the remodel reflects the restaurant’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the guest experience and preserving its iconic oceanfront charm.
